($946+) Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX ranges from $1,245 to $9,706, with an average cost of $3,500. Moves can be as low as $946 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,421 miles and usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX
Moving options from Irvine to Dallas fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,245 - $9,706 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,500, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,421 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,421-mile route from Irvine to Dallas, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,245 - $5,376 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,344 - $2,590), rental truck ($928 - $1,742), or freight trailer ($1,248 - $2,401). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,920 - $6,767 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,706.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,421-mile move from Irvine, California, to Dallas, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,245 - $9,706. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $417 - $2,780. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Irvine and Dallas. Local movers in Irvine typically start around $197 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,245 - $5,376
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,920 - $6,767
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,532 - $9,706
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Irvine to Dallas.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Dallas, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $695 - $6,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $278 - $1,668/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $417 - $3,336 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,390 - $4,170 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,475 - $13,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,041 - $1,978 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items64% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,390 - $3,475 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,112 - $4,865 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling35% of local movers | $417 - $2,085 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company | $904 - $2,780 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $417 - $20,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $417 - $4,865+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Dallas?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Irvine, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Dallas, Texas, cost between $1,344 and $4,719. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Irvine runs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,344 - $2,590
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,860 - $3,762
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,405 - $4,719
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Irvine, CA and Dallas, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $973 in Irvine, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $104 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $209 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,344. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,860 - $3,762, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Irvine to Dallas?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Irvine to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Irvine:
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,421 miles from Irvine, California, to Dallas, Texas, running $928 - $2,455. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $628 - $718
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Irvine to Dallas based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $928 - $1,742
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $956 - $2,133
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,455
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $928 - $2,455 does not include fuel ($628 - $718) , lodging ($209/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Irvine to Dallas typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $104 and $487.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $209.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $628 and $718 for the 1,421-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $973 for 2 movers in Irvine, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Dallas?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX
For larger DIY moves from Irvine, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Dallas, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,402 and $2,835.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Dallas:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,248 - $2,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,402 - $2,835
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,003 - $4,048
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $104 - $209 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Irvine, California, typically costs $973.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Dallas?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Irvine, CA vs Dallas, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dallas, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 100 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $1,774/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $303,018 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $67,760/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 48.6/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dallas, TX to Irvine, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,421-mile move.
Our take
The 1,421-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Dallas, TX, costs between $1,245 and $9,706 with full-service movers, $1,344 - $4,719 with a moving container, and $928 - $2,455 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,920 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Dallas tend to point to ample economic opportunity and fabulous weather, though high housing costs and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and American Airlines Group, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Dallas, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($628 - $718), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $209/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Dallas, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Dallas a safe place to live?
Dallas has a safety index of 48.6 out of 100 and a crime index of 51.4, compared to 68.99 and 31.01 in Irvine. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
